Lameness is the most important welfare concern being faced by the dairy industry and leads to decreased milk production, reduced fertility and increased culling rates. The prevalence varies hugely between farms and very low levels of lameness are achievable. Most farm animal veterinarians are no longer regularly involved in the treatment of lame cows, but they still have a key role to play.
Farmers with a high level of lameness in their herd often become accustomed to seeing it, so motivating them to prioritise the problem with their time and investment can be challenging, as lame cows will still produce milk. Unlike herds which fail to maintain adequate milk quality, farms with unacceptable levels of lameness can keep selling their milk, so it is often not identified as the most important area to focus on.
However, the benefits of improving mobility are significant. It is important to identify the best way to motivate an individual farmer to tackle a lameness issue. If a mobility score has been performed, then the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB, 2024a) cost calculator can be used to demonstrate the potential economic gains. If not, then highlighting the cost per case of lameness is the next best option. It was estimated in 2009 that the average lameness case was costing dairy farmers £330 (Wilshire and Bell, 2009), and this will have increased significantly over the last 14 years.
Creating a meaningful change in attitude
Cost alone is often not sufficient to create a meaningful change in attitude, so consideration of behavioural insight models, such as EAST (Easy, Attractive, Social, Timely), can be useful in motivating farmers towards change. There are many farmers who have made huge improvements to the mobility of their herd and sharing the stories of how they have achieved this can be a powerful motivator. Alongside successful control of digital dermatitis, the most common change that these farmers report as being key to their success is the adoption of regular preventive foot trimming, performed to a high standard by well-trained personnel. The optimal frequency and method of trimming will vary significantly between farms, as a result of differences in the cows, environment and production systems. As such, tailoring each trimming programme to the individual farm is an area where veterinary input can be beneficial. For example, high yielding, housed Holsteins are likely to benefit from trimming at least twice per lactation, with application of a large, deep model in the sole to prevent bruising and ulceration. In contrast, grazing herds are likely to require less frequent trimming, with a focus on maintaining adequate thickness of the sole.
Preventive trimming by farm staff can be successful on some farms, but it is essential that sufficient training, experience and time are available. It is vital that the trimmer understands the anatomy of the cow's foot, and provides corrective trimming that promotes proper hoof shape and function. Most farms will benefit from using a good professional trimmer, especially for routine preventive trimming. Such trimmers will have in-depth experience of different herds and cases, specialised skills and equipment, as well as knowledge of the latest developments in hoof trimming. To help find a professional trimmer, both the National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers (NACFT) and the Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board (CHCSB) have a ‘find a trimmer’ section on their website. Communication and collaboration between the veterinarian and the foot trimmer is likely to be highly beneficial. Most good trimmers are keen to work alongside veterinarians. There is sometimes a perception that vets are not interested in lameness. Perhaps the best way to collectively change this, is by speaking with the trimmer when we see them on farm, or by picking up the phone. Attending the NACFT conference is a good way of building relationships with foot trimmers while getting some great value CPD.
Early detection and prompt effective treatment
Alongside preventive trimming, early detection of lameness and prompt, effective treatment (known as EDPET) will significantly increase recovery rates. The target should be to treat cows within 48 hours of detecting lameness. As such, it is essential that the right skills and equipment are available on farm to treat lame cows between visits from a foot trimmer. It is useful to emphasise to the farmer how permanent damage soon occurs within the hoof, which will inhibit recovery and make recurrence of lameness more likely in the future.
A key part of EDPET is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While this is important for welfare, the fact that using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can significantly increase recovery rates is often a stronger motivator to the farmer to use them in all cases. Collaboration between dairy farmers, trimmers and vets is useful to create and implement protocols which ensure that all cows that would benefit from a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug will receive one. For example, the trimmer providing a list of cows for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment, based on the agreed veterinary protocol.
Farmers know their herd and can observe daily changes, providing rapid treatment when lameness occurs. Foot trimmers contribute with specialised expertise, ensuring a high standard of routine preventive trimming. The role of the veterinarian is to optimise the approach to the treatment and prevention of lameness, while monitoring the relevant data, including mobility scores and treatment records.
Improving skills on-farm – new foot trimming courses
Lantra is the leading awarding body for land-based industries in UK. They have recently accredited two new courses that have been produced by the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) and the CHCSB and are widely recognised within the dairy industry. They are highly practical and include a 1-day ‘First Aid for Feet’ course, as well as a 3-day ‘Intermediate Foot Trimming’ course. These are delivered by veterinary practices alongside a professional trimmer. More details can be found on the BCVA website.
Data and why they are important for collaboration
Both mobility scoring and foot trimming can be recorded electronically and provide data that can be used to make informed decisions about herd management. This can guide interventions, track the efficacy of treatments and help in adjusting management practices. The result is a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to hoof health.
Trimming the right cows at the right time and in the right way is an essential component of maintaining good herd mobility. However, to reach the very low levels of lameness that are achieved on many farms, this needs to go alongside other preventive measures. The AHDB (2024b) ‘Healthy Feet Programme’ is a great way to identify the key factors that are contributing to lameness on a farm, ensuring that farmers receive the full benefits of the time and money that they invest in trimming. Details on becoming a ‘Mobility Mentor’ and delivering the programme are available on the BCVA website.